Tara smiled. All the little children in her class rose up as she entered the classroom. With their sweet voices in unison they chirped, “Good Morning Miss!” She welcomed them and began teaching.

As she kept on teaching, Tara was aware of the constant gaze of her students. “These little ones seem to be drinking in every word, gesture and mood of mine! I wonder what they think of me?” thought Tara as she continued.

* * * * * * *

Little Sam went home and told his mother. “Mom, our teacher Miss Tara is so nice. She always smiles at us.” “That’s good Sam,” replied his mother, “You must always obey her.”

* * * * * * *

One morning Tara gave each of her students a clean piece of paper. She told them, “ On this sheet all of you write the alphabet neatly and clearly. You must write both in Capitals and small letters. This is today’s class work for you. Before you leave the class today, give back your sheets to me”

She sat watching the little ones. They began to laboriously write the alphabet. Some were still struggling to hold their pencils properly. Some were hurrying, to finish in time.

Slowly a cluster of them appeared at her desk. “See mine Miss.” One by one, they clambered up to show their work. Tara carefully examined their work and started grading them. She suddenly realized that Sam hadn’t brought his paper in. “Sam,” she called, “where is your paper?”

Hesitantly Sam stumbled to Tara’s desk. He had his paper with him. But it was all soiled and spoilt. “ I…I … am ss sorry, M Miss,” he stuttered, “I spoilt my paper. Can you please give me another Miss?” His eyes filled to the brim with tears.

Tara was stern. “ Sam, can’t you write neatly? You are the only one who needs a new sheet,” she thundered. The whole class became silent. Tears were streaming and blinding Sam. “ Okay go now and do it properly.” said Tara as she gave him another new sheet. He took the new sheet and wearily trudged back to his desk.

* * * * * * *

Later that night, Tara knelt at her bed to pray. The tear-streaked face of Sam kept haunting her as she prayed.
“Dear Master, You had given me a clean and new day. But I spoilt it. I shouldn’t have been so harsh and made Sam cry. Please forgive me Lord! Please give me another chance, another day.”

As Tara continued to kneel down, she heard the Lord tell her, “ My dear Tara, I forgive you fully. I’ll give you another new day. Do better now my child.”

“Thank you Dear Master,” whispered Tara, “ You are so gracious to me. Help me become a gracious teacher like you.”